WTO Awards Caribbean Country Right to Ignore US Copyright

The WTO's recent ruling on Antigua's complaint against the US over the banning of online gambling resulted in a payment to the island nation much less than they asked for. It appears, though, that this payment was just part of the WTO's compensation package for Antigua/Barbuda. Via Kotaku, the Hollywood Reporter notes that the Caribbean country can now freely ignore US copyright laws - legally. This dispensation is apparently limited to some $21 million a year. "The WTO often takes decisions awarding trade compensation in cases where one nation's policies are found to break its rules. But this is only the second time the compensation lets one country violate intellectual property laws. In this case, Antigua will -- in theory -- be allowed to distribute copies of American DVDs, CDs and games and software with impunity. 'That has only been done once before and is, I believe, a very potent weapon,' Antigua's lawyer Mark Mendel said. 'I hope that the United States government will now see the wisdom in reaching some accommodation with Antigua over this dispute.'"

Comments

Deja vu

[owlnation]

Sorry Zonk, you must have had a great Christmas because in the middle of your blackout you missed that this is a DUPE.

Re:Democrats control copyright

[JackMeyhoff]

So we can now expect the Republicans (Reptilians?) to be ousted, yay!

Re:Hah.

[Maxo-Texas]

I want the US to not matter.

I want to retreat to within our borders. Pay fair prices for goods. Remove our provocative AND expensive military bases from around the world.

I want to STOP paying for the cost of protecting oil companies equipment. If they want it protected, let them pay for it. If the "real" price of oil is $200 a barrel and $8 a gallon for gasoline, I want to see it instead of paying $3 at the pump and $5 in taxes for the military.

I want to STOP giving money to corrupt tiny countries for aid that removes pressure on their local elites. Instead I want those countries to revolt and kill their elites and either become decent countries or collapse into irrelevance.

That's why I'm supporting Ron Paul because he's the only guy that is for these things (along with other goofy stuff like reducing the power of our federal government and returning power to the states).

Ike predicted this situation. We were unable to prevent it. I think we are doomed.

But perhaps, destroying IP rights and the growth of other economies will stop it since there just won't be money available to spare to frak with everyone else around the world.